HC Deb 15 March 1927 vol 203 cc1845-6
55. Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARD

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience and loss of trade which is being caused by the shortage of railway wagons at the port of Hull; and what steps he intends to take to remedy the repeated complaints that have been made by the traders of this city?

Colonel ASHLEY

I am aware that there has been a shortage of wagons at Hull for the timber trade, and I have been in communication with the railway company on the subject. From recent information I have received it appears that the position has considerably improved.

Lieut.-Colonel WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only since the railways have been amalgamated and placed under the control of his Department that these complaints have arisen?

Colonel ASHLEY

No. It may be post hoc, but it is not propter hoc; it is not because of my Department, but owing to the general strike and the coal trade dispute.

Major CARVER

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that a great many telegraph poles are made in the Hull district and that they are for the General Post Office, and that great delay has been caused owing to the shortage of wagons and the inability of traders to obtain transport?

Mr. PALING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much of the delay is due to the private ownership of wagons, and would it not be likely to be reduced if there was a pooling of wagons?

Colonel ASHLEY

That I cannot say. In reply to my hon. and gallant Friend., I would state that we do appreciate the position at Hull, and we are doing all that we can. I know it is a considerable inconvenience to the traders.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by an improvement? On the 12th of this month one of the biggest importers could get only 60 per cent. of the wagons he required, and that sort of thing is general through the port.

Colonel ASHLEY

Even if that be so, it does not follow—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) seems to be giving information, rather than asking for it.